THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT: WHAT’S ON IN SURREY THIS APRIL?

PAY IF AND WHAT YOU CAN DAYS / APRIL 1 / WATTS GALLERY ARTISTS’ VILLAGE

Want more access to the arts? The outstanding Watts Gallery Artists’ Village food on the outskirts of Guildford invite you to pay if and what you can. Taking place on the first Wednesday of every month, visit Watts Gallery and enjoy an enchanting day out. See the temporary exhibition, Limnerslease, home to George and Mary Watts and the Historic Galleries full of George’s paintings and monumental sculptures. Marvel at the decorative Watts Chapel, visit the Watts Contemporary Gallery and tuck into a seasonal menu in the Tea Shop. Watts Gallery is a charity and we rely on our visitors, donors and members to keep our doors open for all. Please donate what you feel you are able to and support their mission of art for all by all.

For more, visit wattsgallery.org.uk

JASON FOX: EMBRACE THE CHAOS / APRIL 2 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Some people are built to Embrace the Chaos. Jason Fox is one of them, having survived some of the most hostile outposts on earth as an elite operator, documentary maker and expedition leader. In a brand-new show for 2026, Jason will share a series of never-told-before stories, his close brushes with enemy gunmen, terrorist bomb makers and cartel leaders, while revealing his strategies for surviving — and thriving — in environments as life-threatening as the Arctic Circle and Afghan badlands.

For more, visit glive.co.uk

FRICTION / APRIL 3 / THIRTY3HZ, GUILDFORD

Drum and bass legend Friction arrives at Guildford’s boutique club Thirty3Hz this month. Bringing bangers and bass sangers for hungry dancers to feast on all night – expect a sweaty night.

For more, visit thirty3hz.com

GODALMING SPRING FESTIVAL / APRIL 4 / GODALMING TOWN

Celebrate the new season with a great day out in one of Surrey’s prettiest towns!  Stroll amongst the stalls in the town centre, sample an array of mouth-watering artisan street food and drink including Paella, Thai BBQ, local honeys, gins and rums as well as browsing the craft and gift stalls.  Enjoy entertainment throughout the day at the iconic pink Pepperpot at the top of the High Street.

For more, visit godalming-tc.gov.uk 

STITCHES COMEDY CLUB / APRIL 4 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

After the huge success of the launch show, Stitches Comedy Clubs is back in Guildford with a fresh amazing line up of comedy stars. Featuring funny folk Zoe Lyons, Josh Pugh and Simon Brodkin.

For more, visit glive.co.uk

THE BEAT FT. RANKING JNR / APRIL 4 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Ska legends The Beat arrive at The Boileroom in Guildford this April. These 2 Tone party starters were at the forefront of the scene in the 70s and 80s and continue to be a firm favourite with fans. Joined by original frontman Ranking Roger’s son Ranking Jnr, expect serious vibes.

For more, visit theboileroom.net

DANIEL O’REILLY: LET’S HAVE IT / APRIL 4 / DORKING HALLS

Hold on to your seats and brace yourself for a night of outrageous laughs and no-holds-barred comedy, as the one and only Daniel O’Reilly returns to the stage with his brand new, in-your-face tour: ‘Let’s Have It’. Famous for his unapologetic humour, quick-fire crowd work, and electric stage presence, Daniel is back and funnier than ever – and he’s not holding back. Whether you’ve seen him go viral online or live on stage, you’ll know one thing for sure: no topic is off-limits, and nothing is safe!

For more, visit dorkinghalls.co.uk

GUILDFORD JAZZ: CHUCK ISRAELS WITH FRASER SMITH / APRIL 8 / GUILDFORD PAVILION

Jazz fans are in for a treat this month. Best known for his work with the Bill Evans Trio, Chuck Israel has also worked with Billie Holiday, Benny Goodman, Coleman Hawkins, Stan Getz, Herbie Hancock, J. J. Johnson, John Coltrane, and Judy Collins. For this rare European performance he is joined by tenor saxophonist Fraser Smith, Finish guitarist Jonas Metsäkylä and Steve Brown on drums

For more, visit guildfordjazz.org.uk

GAME OF CRONES / APRIL 9 /  HORTON ARTS CENTRE, EPSOM

Sharpen your swords and fill your goblets—the dragons have returned! A long,long time ago, 2018, A&E Comedy first embarked on a mighty quest with Enter the Dragons, slaying the beast of midlife with fearless buffoonery. Now, destiny calls them once more to the battlefield in their epic sequel: Game of Crones

For more, visit thehortonepsom.org

STARLIT SOIREE – A REGENCY BALL / APRIL 10 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Step into the elegance of the early nineteenth century at our Regency Ball in the magnificent Stone Hall at West Horsley Place, a room whose interior design reflects the refined taste of the period. Enjoy live music, an expert-led dance workshop, and an evening of graceful dances brought to life in an authentic historic setting. With a glass of fizz, canapés, and limited tickets to ensure an intimate experience, this is a rare chance to immerse yourself in the charm, beauty, and sophistication of a true Regency celebration.

For more, visit westhorsleyplace.org

HAPPY MONDAYS / APRIL 10 / G LIVE, GUILDFORD

Ahead of the 35th anniversary of their classic album ‘Pills ‘n’ Thrills And Bellyaches’, the Happy Mondays return to Guildford’s G Live this April. Joining the tour as very special guests at all dates are The Farm and Northside, who were both on the bill for the Happy Mondays’ legendary 1991 concert at Elland Road in Leeds.

For more, visit glive.co.uk

BIFF TO THE FUTURE / APRIL 10 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

The iconic villain of “Back To The Future” takes centre stage in this comedic reimagination of Marty’s time-traveling escapades, turning the celebrated cinematic trilogy on its head from the perspective of Biff, the bully audiences love to hate. This new, heartfelt and unauthorised parody explores the highs and lows of a life chasing power, fame and fortune, reliving Biff’s encounters with Marty and Doc across the centuries.

For more, visit farnhammaltings.com

MOCK TUDOR COMEDY CLUB / APRIL 10 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ART CENTRE, WALTON

For your fill of the silly stuff this month, mooch on over to Walton’s Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre and get ready for a giggle or two at the monthly Mock Tudor Comedy Club. Sit back and enjoy jokes and japes from Matt Green, Andrew White, Aideen McQueen and Prince Abdi.

For more, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk

TRANSFORMATION: VICTORIA TAYLOR / APRIL 10 – 15 / NEW HOUSE ART SPACE, GUILDFORD

A contemporary of leading figures of the 1960s art scene and Royal College of Art graduate (1968), Victoria Taylor’s early promise faded as she withdrew from public life following personal tragedy. Discovered during a house clearance by her niece, some of the paintings are over 40 years old and represent the strongest surviving works from her abandoned home. The Transformation series explores identity, otherness and metamorphosis through striking human and animal figures.

For more, visit newhouse.art

TULIP FESTIVAL / APRIL 11 – 26 / HAMPTON COURT PALACE

The much-loved Hampton Court Palace Tulip Festival returns this spring with tens of thousands of tulips and vibrant spring flowers in bloom. Recognised as Britain’s Largest and Greatest Tulip Heritage Garden at the World Tulip Summit in 2024, the festival continues to showcase the beauty, variety and craftsmanship of historic and contemporary planting across the palace gardens.

For more, visit hrp.org.uk

SURREY HILLS SPRING FAIR / APRIL 11 – 12 / RURAL LIFE LIVING MUSEUM, TILFORD

This Spring Fair is a unique opportunity to celebrate spring in the beautiful setting of the Rural Life Living Museum, where visitors can experience a wide range of fun and exciting activities that celebrate spring and showcase the richness of the culture, heritage and natural beauty of the Surrey Hills. Fair-goers of all ages can expect a wide range of activities, including traditional country crafts, live music, art demonstrations, local food vendors, and outdoor woodland activities.

For more, visit surreyhills.org

WORD: A SPOKEN WORD NIGHT / APRIL 13 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Got something you want to say? An open forum for poetry, prose, and spoken word performance – from Shakespearian sonnets to journal scribbles and everything in between. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or sharing your words for the first time, come along, take the mic, and be part of Guildford’s growing spoken word community

For more, visit theboileroom.net

GRAYSHOTT FOLK CLUB: WAYWARD JANE / APRIL 14 / GRAYSHOTT VILLAGE HALL

Folk fans – listen up. Wayward Jane are ones to watch for the future and their fresh and subtle sounds that instantly draws you in. Expect bigger things on the horizon. Kris Drever is a go-to master musician who has been involved in so many different projects throughout the years. Despite his earlier doubts about the quality of the latest album “Doing This For Love”, he is now telling us. “Somewhere along the way, we all made a record that is uniquely itself and stands up, in my considered opinion, with the best things I’ve ever made, with anybody, ever.” Judge for yourselves at the Grayshott Folk Club this month.

For more, visit grayshottfolkclub.co.uk

THE WOMAN IN BLACK / APRIL 14 – 18 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

The legendary production of Susan Hill’s chilling ghost story The Woman In Black returns to the Yvonne Arnaud. One of the most successful and longest running theatre shows in the history of London’s West End, this gripping production is a brilliant study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror. Now seen by over 8 million people worldwide, The Woman In Black continues to delight and terrify audiences of all generations.

For more, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

 

IN-STORE GIG: MELANIE BAKER / APRIL 14 / BANQUET RECORDS, KINGSTON

To celebrate the release of ”Somebody Help Me, I’m Being Spontaneous!’, Melanie Baker visits Kingston to play an intimate in-store set. With pounding drums, fuzzy guitars, and tender lyrical precision, Baker reclaims the grit and spirit of ’90s alt-rock through a queer, modern lens.

For more, visit banquetrecords.com

SINGLE WHITE FEMALE  / APRIL 14 – 18 / RICHMOND THEATRE

Based on the iconic 90’s psychological thriller, the world premiere stage production of Single White Female is a bold and modern reimagining of the best-selling book and hit movie, that coined a phrase and led a generation to fear a stiletto heel! tarring the multi-talented Kym Marsh (Coronation Street, Waterloo Road, Abigail’s Party) and actress and presenter Lisa Faulkner (Holby City, Murder In Suburbia, John and Lisa’s Weekend Kitchen), Single White Female invites us into a world where trust is fragile, friendships are tested, and secrets lurk behind every closed door. Expect edge of your seat stuff and be careful who you choose as your next roommate!

For more, visit atgtickets.com

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: ALL MY SONS / APRIL 16 + 21 / EVERYMAN CINEMA, ESHER

Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad) and Marianne Jean-Baptiste (Hard Truths) feature in a five-star, triumphantly acclaimed new production of Arthur Miller’s classic play, from visionary director Ivo Van Hove (A View from the Bridge). One family, the heart of the American dream. When wartime delivers profits for Joe, it comes at a price. Will peacetime bring peace of mind, or will he be confronted by the consequence of his actions?

For more, visit everymancinema.com

RONI SIZE WITH DYNAMITE MC / APRIL 17 / THE BOILEROOM, GUILDFORD

Drum and Bass legend from the land of the Brizzle (Bristol), Roni Size and long-term collaborator Dynamite MC come to the Boileroom in Guildford. His seminal 90s album New Forms and stand out track Brown Paper Bag set the scene for a new generation of bass music. Get some tickets quick.

For more, visit theboileroom.net

TROY HAWKE: NEVER STOP, NEVER CHANGE! / APRIL 17 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

Following last year’s sellout world tour, Troy Hawke is back to his globe sweeping in 2026 with new show Never Stop, Never Change! Angry security guards, barked compliments and crossed wires abound as Troy navigates various conversational minefields, both online and in real life.

For more, visit rosetheatre.org

REGENCY REVELS – LIVING HISTORY FESTIVAL / APRIL 18 – 19 / WEST HORSLEY PLACE

Step back into the elegance of the Regency era with a captivating weekend at West Horsley Place. Wander the manor house and grounds as we share stories from our Regency past, take part in immersive dance workshops, sample authentic period food, and explore Jane Austen’s Surrey connections with West Horsley Place and beyond. With hands-on activities, lively talks, and more still to be revealed, it’s a perfect escape into the charm, culture, and romance of the early nineteenth century.

For more, visit westhorsleyplace.org

THE SHAKESPEARE WALKS / APRIL 19 / TOWN CENTRE, GUILDFORD

Over the last decade Guildford Shakespeare Company have celebrated the birth of the Great Bard himself. The Shakespeare Walks have visited many of Surrey’s towns and villages revealing their hidden gems with actors appearing the least likely of places, from roof gardens to hidden courtyards. Shakespeare Walks invite small groups of walkers on an especially designed self-guided route. Along the way you’ll encounter actors in everyday settings poised to share a sonnet or speech… but where are they, and who’s an actor and who’s not? The route itself, as ever, will be revealed on the day…

For more, visit guildford-shakesepeare-company.co.uk

PRINTWORKS FESTIVAL / APRIL 19 / FARNHAM MALTINGS

Hey, Creative! Find your way to the Farnham Maltinsg this month for the  Printworks Festival. Discover the vibrant world of printmaking with this dedicated showcase of print in all its forms. Expect hands-on workshops, as well as a curated marketplace with exhibitors specialising in everything from screen printing and engraving to cyanotype and graphic design.

For more, visit farnhammaltings.com

MACBETH / APRIL 21 – 28 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

HELL IS MURKY. Macbeth, returning from battle, meets three witches bearing a strange and fateful prophecy that begins a chain of bloody and brutal events. Driven by an insatiable desire to succeed, Macbeth sets out to become King, by any means possible. Arriving at Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre this month, don’t miss this powerful and chilling production of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, which lays bare the human cost of unchecked ambition.

For more, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

THE MANTRAP / APRIL 21 – 25 / THEATRE ROYAL, WINDSOR

Memories can lie. Identities can be stolen. But someone always knows the truth. After an argument at their remote Cornish holiday cottage, Daniel Edwards’ wife has gone missing…but when she apparently returns, he’s conviced he’s never seen the woman before in his life. Is he suffering from amnesia, or is she a fraudster? This psychological thriller will keep you guessing right up to the last minute.

For more, visit theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk

MAGIC / APRIL 24 – MAY 16 / CHICHESTER FESTIVAL THEATRE

Harry Houdini is the greatest illusionist the world has ever known meets Arthur Conan Doyle’s most brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes in this production based on extraordinary historical events. Written by and starring David Haigh alongside Hadley Fraser, Magic asks what we’re prepared to believe, and why.

For more, visit cft.org.uk

LIVE AT THE ROSE WITH SARA PASCOE / APRIL 25 / ROSE THEATRE, KINGSTON

After rave reviews from Rose audience members, Live at the Rose returns with another fantastic comedy line-up this Spring. Celebrated confessional comedian Sara Pascoe is joined by Laura Smith, Phil Nicol and Muhsin Yesilada. Expect japes.

For more, visit rosetheatre.org

LIVE AT RICHMOND / APRIL 25 / RICHMOND THEATRE

An unmissable night of comedy at the iconic Richmond Theatre. The stinking line-up on the night includes Ed Gamble, Phil Wang, Harriet Kemsley, Catherine Bohart, John Tothill and Sharon Wanjohi. Wowzers.

For more, visit atgtickets.com

WALTON FOLK: JON WILKS / APRIL 26 / RIVERHOUSE BARN ART CENTRE, WALTON

The multi-talented and much-admired fingerpicking guitarist, singer and sublime songwriter, Jon Wilks arrives on stage at the Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre this month. Part of the Walton Folk series. Always with a keen eye and ear for a story, Jon’s live shows include absorbing asides about the songs, his inspiration, and in the case of traditional songs, information about the original singers and collectors that he has researched.

For more, visit riverhousebarn.co.uk

SANCHO AND ME / APRIL 26 / YVONNE ARNAUD THEATRE, GUILDFORD

Curious about history? Charles Ignatius Sancho was born on a slave ship on the Atlantic Ocean in 1729. A writer, composer, shopkeeper and respected ‘man of letters’ Sancho was the first man of African heritage to vote in Britain. He was painted by revered artist Gainsborough, and even rubbed shoulders with Johnson, Hogarth and Handel, as well as meeting George II. This ‘remarkable’ show explores ideas of belonging, language, education, slavery, commerce, violence, threat, politics, music and love, and where these themes intersect with Paterson’s own story of growing up Black and British.

For more, visit yvonne-arnaud.co.uk

CRAFT & DESIGN FAIR / APRIL 30 – MAY 4 / RHS GARDEN, WISLEY

Craft In Focus returns to RHS Garden Wisley this month to stage its Spring Contemporary Craft and Design Fair. This has become the most popular contemporary craft event in the UK and is an event not to be missed! The event at Wisley showcases some of the finest contemporary craft makers, all of whom have been selected to exhibit at this event. Visitors will be able to see and purchase fine art, furniture, interior accessories, textiles, fashion, jewellery, ceramics, glassware, sculpture and garden furniture.

For more, visit craftinfocus.com

 

ADAM KAY / APRIL 30 / CRANLEIGH ARTS

The nation’s twelfth-favourite doctor, turned author, turned comedian Adam Kay comes to Cranleigh Arts this month. His nonfiction book This is Going to Hurt was a literary sensation, selling three million copies and becoming a multi-BAFTA-winning BBC series and his latest offering Undoctored will undoubtedly leave you laughing and crying with Adam’s unique tales of life on and off the wards. Get some tickets quick.

For more, visit cranleigharts.org

 

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